Students of Periyar Maniammai University (PMU) in Thanjavur district have designed Eco-challenger, a motorised two-wheeler powered by solar energy meant to improve mobility of people with disabilities. A solar panel on the top of the vehicle exposed to the sun can recharge power at a maximum rate of 2.6 amps. There is also a provision for external charging with electric plug to recharge battery at the rate of 2.7 to 3 amps. Battery back-up makes the vehicle run in the absence of photo voltaic rays.
The significance of the vehicle has to be viewed in the context of global warming, according to V. Ramaseshan, Team Representative and final-year Mechanical Engineering student. Others in the team, also in their final-year Mechanical Engineering, include R.M. Hari Raam, D. Vasanth, M. Muthuraman, and M. Vivek. The team is yet to patent the product that was developed entirely in the university workshop and department laboratory.
Fabrication of the vehicle was a complicated process. It was developed from the base of a manually-operated tricycle. A solar panel was placed at the top with provision for manual adjustment towards sunlight to derive maximum energy. Battery was placed beneath the seat. To avoid vibrations, shock observer was provided with centre rear wheel.
The Eco-challenger, the team states, is cost-effective, maintenance-free and suitable for all climates. Using solidworks, a software to design mechanical vehicle, the team decided on a hub motor in the rear wheel. Operations like speed variation and power supply to motor is controlled by BLDC (Brush-less DC) motor controller. The vehicle can carry a maximum payload of 110 kg and cruise at a maximum speed of 29 km per hour, delivering mileage of 45 to 50 km after three to four hours of charging. Drum type brakes are used for both front and rear tyres for better control.
Ramaseshan's mother, R. Shyamala, who is the Differently Disabled Welfare Officer in Tiruchi District, motivated the team to fabricate a product that would enhance the lifestyle of differently-abled people in cost-effective and environment-friendly ways. The team worked on the model factoring in fuel availability and cost factors to make the product beneficial to people with disabilities. According to a recent estimate, most of the over 96,000 people with locomotor disabilities are without jobs due to immobility. Hand-pedalling tri-cycles drain their energy both physically and mentally. And those with motorised two-wheelers equipped with support system are unable to meet fuel costs.
The prototype of Eco-challenger has been earning appreciation of visitors at inter-collegiate events including the Velammal Silver Jubilee Science Utsav 2010; TECHFEST '11, one of Asia's largest technical festival at Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay; and Mechanica '11 at the Indian Institute of Technology - Madras. The team is now in the process of adding more value to the product with features like solar sensor and sheet type solar panel. Weight reduction for more efficiency, the team believes, will also lead to further cost-reduction and additional comfort.
The zero-emission vehicle that promises long life will be ideal for the disabled people to become street vendors, says the team, adding that their product will also improve mobility of aged people.
